oryxandcake

I've never heard of it happening in our health authorities in BC.

I just wanted to say I like your user name!

In BC, one has to take the reproductive health/sti course to be certified. Following that, there are standards set that one needs to meet when practicing the procedure. Considering how invasive the procedure is and how many people lack GPs- having nurses trained makes sense - and may encourage more people to have it done. It's not something you want to be rushed through.

I really don't think this is something to get angry over. Access to jobs is cyclical. It correlates with the economy. Nursing, like others have mentioned, is not immune to this. Additionally, even if you cannot get a job right away, you still got a great education for a great career and will eventually find work. You may not get your first choice, but how many people do? You are not extra privileged just because you got a nursing degree. Many other professionals have to fight to get the jobs they want. I have also found that more nurses could be used on many wards - in that way I would argue there is a shortage - but there isn't money being put in to creating the jobs needed. Wards are still short staffed and over worked. The amount of over time can be ridiculous and probably could pay for an additional employee. I have also been reading up on recent research and you'll find that more funding is going into LPN programs and their scope and number of jobs has been increasing. They are the alternative in an economically tough time. Even though research supports the premise that a greater RN to patient ratio often presents with better patient outcomes. PS "Are they suggesting that over 1 million people got or renewed their licenses and then within two years married some rich guys and decided not to work, or that over 1 million people were not looking for work?" Really? I think there are many better analogies out there. Way to perpetuate tired female stereotypes.

It sounds like you already have made up your mind. Go for it. The only thing you will regret is not entering the program earlier. As for the marital aspect, I would suggest doing your homework, coming up with the financial figures and working out a budget and then present it to your wife and discuss the feasibility of the program. I think once she sees that you are truly serious about it and emphasize the importance of her support, that maybe you'll be able to get on the same page.

As the aforementioned poster said, the program really leaves your success up to you. If you have the discipline, you can definitely finish in three years. It looks like in class and distance will equal about the same time so I think you just need to balance needs vs desires and then make your decision. Having children in between will definitely make it more difficult to complete but not impossible. I knew people who had kids during my nursing program, came back a year later and finished. If you have support, its feasible. The other thing is you can work while in the athabasca program which is a bit more difficult when you're attending classes.

I think you would complement the profession quite well.

Hahah we're not here to judge, Pepper. A glass of red wine at dinner has indicated positive health effects. When I worked LTC, I always ended up falling asleep on my couch...sometimes in my scrubs :S

3-4:1 days 4-5:1 nights on a medical unit. Vancouver, BC.

Hmm I would be discouraged by all of these posts.. Maybe I am just lucky, but in all of the places I work I find support and enjoy working there. Yes, the shift work can be long and crazy at times; however, you have to extend yourself and be okay with asking for help. I do get nervous when I am on call and go to work at a place I haven't been for 5 weeks - but I am always happily surprised that I am supported and did my best. I guess this sounds lame and when you work on a **** ward, it may not help at all. But most people are not comfortable until they reach 2-3 years. Nurses do a ton and are expected to be a knowledgeable about a ridiculous amount of stuff. Its insane. So maybe the trick is to be comfortable nursing, you have to become insane....

Just got home an hour ago from a crazy day shift. Showered, in pajamas, going to watch some six feet under with some tea. How do you unwind after a long day of work?

Screw ém. and when they ask in your interview why you only stayed three months, tell them it wasn't the right place for you and that you wanted to follow you passion. You know you're working in a toxic environment. You don't have to.

I don't know if you use this tool - but I find SBAR extremely helpful in organizing the pertinent details. Also, keep in mind that most physicians quantify - so if you're trying to convey an emergency situation - make it clear and make sure the objective evidence is there. The more practice, the better you will get. You can do it! Ps. They can be really nice!

When I worked in residential care I found that the powerlessness that the staff felt translated into bullying behavior to everyone - including patients. It was the bullying and constant negativity that drove me out of the facility. In this situation, most of the senior staff was overbearing and poor at communicating and team work. Their idea of team work was other people picking up the slack. Anyhow, I now work in a team environment where I really have not run into any bullying. And if there are poor attitudes they are dealt with appropriately. That being said, our health authority and upper management don't have a probably shifting their weight around time to time...

You may think your schedule is awesome but I think it is what is getting you down. I think a change of pace would be great for you. Maybe something less acute but still challenging. Then you don't have to worry about the pressures of being a senior nurse or responding to emergency situations regularly. There is nothing wrong with wanting to not work - but it may time to think of finding something outside of the home to drive your passion since you have to work.